16:39 Russian army razes Chasiv Yar neighborhood to the ground
Russian Army takes control of a district in the strategically important city of Tschassiw Jar in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donezk, according to Russian statements. The troops have reportedly "liberated" the neighborhood of Nowi, the Russian Defense Ministry reports. It is not known if the Russian soldiers managed to overcome a canal in the east of the small town that has served as a natural defense line for the Ukrainian army until now. The military-affiliated news channel "DeepState" reports that the neighborhood has been "completely leveled." Further resistance would have resulted in heavy losses, it adds. Tschassiw Jar is about ten kilometers from Bachmut, which was taken by Russian troops in May 2023 after long battles. A breakthrough could make it easier for the Russian army to gain access to important mining towns in the Donbass region, such as Kramatorsk, that are still controlled by Ukraine.
16:04 Russian Intelligence: French "Agent" Vinatier confessesThe Frenchman Laurent Vinatier, who is being held in Russia, confesses to the Russian security services that he has collected information about the Russian military. A worker for the Swiss non-governmental organization Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) has reportedly admitted his guilt, according to the Russian domestic security service FSB. Vinatier is said to have established numerous contacts with military experts, scientists, and officials during his visits to Moscow. Through these contacts, the Frenchman is said to have collected "military and military-technical information that could be used against the security of the Russian Federation." Vinatier works for the Swiss NGO Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and was arrested in Moscow on June 6. He is accused of failing to register as a "foreign agent."
15:34 Video: Russians report massive Ukrainian drone attackThe Ukraine is attacking Noworossijsk, according to Russian reports, with drones from the air and water. The Russian Defense Ministry reports the shooting down of twelve objects. Spearfire and explosions illuminate the night sky over the Black Sea port city on the shores of the Caucasus Mountains.
15:02 Poll: Ukrainians see Germany as conditionally reliable, fear US secret negotiations with MoscowAccording to a survey conducted nearly two and a half years into the war, almost half of the Ukrainians in a poll conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations think that the USA could negotiate a peace plan with Russia behind Ukraine's back. 47% expressed this concern, while 49% had little or no concern. The views of Ukrainians on their allies in the defense war against Russia vary depending on the country. 84% see Britain as reliable or somewhat reliable, the highest percentage. 76% felt the same way about Germany, but only 19% considered German support to be very reliable.
14:23 Scholz: Germany will not be a war party in the future
During the government questioning in the Bundestag, the topic of Ukraine also came up. When the Left parliamentarian Gesine Lötzsch asks if Chancellor Olaf Scholz would give people "the guarantee" that Germany would not be a war party, Scholz replied: "Yes, I give this guarantee. I stand for that as Chancellor." When a ceasefire can be achieved, Lötzsch asked further. "In my opinion, a ceasefire that aims for Ukraine's capitulation is one that we cannot support from Germany," answered Scholz. This is not an abstract question, as I see from this strange 'peace offer' from Mr. Putin, he said. Putin has stated that he is ready for a ceasefire "if Ukraine also gives further annexations, in effect for free." This shows "how cynically they think and that the Russian president does not at all intend to end his aggressive war." Putin speaks only of peace negotiations to continue the war. "We will not tolerate that," Scholz assured.
13:55 International Criminal Court investigates torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in detention facilities in the formerly occupied territories and in Russia, according to the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform." The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office is working with the ICC on this matter. Ukrainian photographers Kostiantyn and Vlada Librov show on Instagram photos of Ukrainian soldiers who had fallen into Russian captivity and have since been released. "This was the most difficult shooting of the last six months," the photographers write afterwards.
13:19 Russian postal workers to replace doctors in rural areas
Because there is not enough medical personnel in rural areas of Russia, postal workers are now taking on medical tasks in some regions. This is reported by the "Moscow Times" on Telegram. In rural post offices, health and midwife stations are being set up. The postal workers are supposed to diagnose and perform various medical interventions. Russian publicist Alexander Nevzorov called this practice, as reported by the "Kyiv Post," a return to the Middle Ages.
12:58 NATO countries: No agreement on multi-year Ukraine aid
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg failed with his plan to get NATO countries to make multi-year commitments for military aid to Ukraine. The 32 Allies could only agree in the run-up to the summit in Washington on providing support in the amount of at least 40 billion Euros within the next year. This was reported by the German Press Agency and relied on statements from several delegations.
12:24 Ukraine: 5 dead after attack on Dnipro
The number of casualties from the Russian attack on Dnipro has risen to at least 5, according to Ukrainian reports, with at least 39 people injured, including a 14-year-old girl. The attack reportedly took place with rockets and drones and caused several explosions and fires in the city. Reports indicate that a shopping mall and a weapons factory were hit.
11:31 Ukraine receives additional two billion from IWFThe financially stricken Ukraine has received an additional tranche of over two billion Euro from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The money is part of an ongoing credit program worth around 15 billion Euro. The money will be used by the government according to Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal, mainly for social aid and salaries of public servants, including doctors and teachers. Since the Russian attack in February 2022, Ukraine has reportedly received over 80 billion Euro in foreign aid for budget support.
11:01 Military base burns in Russian KurskVideos from the Russian city of Kursk show a large smoke cloud over the city. An Ukrainian attack is reported to have set several vehicles on fire at a military base in the city. The regional governor has confirmed a fire in the city center.
10:40 Multiple civilians killed in Russian attacks in UkraineRussian troops reportedly shot at the village of Borova in the Charkiw region overnight. The Military Administration of Charkiw reports on Telegram that one man was killed and two others were injured. In a Russian rocket and drone attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, at least three people were reportedly killed and 18 others injured.
10:19 Kremlin: No talks with Trump over UkraineRussia is not in dialogue with former US President Donald Trump over Ukraine, according to the Kremlin. The news agency Interfax reports, citing a spokesperson for the Russian Presidium. Trump had stated during a TV duel with President Joe Biden last week that if he won the November election, he would resolve the war in Ukraine before taking office in January.
09:46 Ukraine lacks hangars to protect combat jetsAccording to a report in the Ukrainian "Defense Express," the Ukrainian army does not have sufficient hangars to protect all its combat aircraft from Russian attacks. The newspaper reports that a military airbase in the Poltawa Oblast does not have large enough hangar spaces for Su-27 fighter jets. Russian media has released footage of a recent air raid on the airfield, showing several Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets damaged in the open. The Ukraine lacks hangars to protect all its fighter jets.
09:16 Defense committee approves purchase of 105 Leopard 2A8 tanksThe Defense Committee of the German Bundestag is expected to approve the purchase of 105 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks today. "We are exhausting all options," writes the new committee chairman Marcus Faber on the platform "X." "We are fully equipping the Brigade Litauen with battle tanks, replacing older Leo2 in the army and creating room for further budget contributions to Ukraine," adds the FDP politician. According to the proposal, the order has a volume of approximately three billion Euro. The defense company KNDS is expected to deliver the tanks to the Bundeswehr by 2030.
08:44 Russia: Ukrainian attack on Black Sea port repelled
According to Russian reports, two unmanned Ukrainian explosive boats attacked the Black Sea port of Novorossijsk but were repelled. The drones were destroyed in the Black Sea, according to the Defense Ministry. Novorossijsk is home to a large port for the Russian Black Sea Fleet, where Russia has stationed many of its warships used in the conflict with Ukraine after Ukrainian attacks on Crimean ports. The ministry did not comment on possible damages. The authorities in Novorossijsk urged people to stay in their homes and apartments during the night.
08:21 Most Ukrainians feel unity in society
Forty-four percent of Ukrainians believe that Ukrainian society is currently united, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) on July 2. A smaller group of interviewees, 15 percent, consider Ukrainian society to be split. Corruption is cited as the main problem, followed by language issues. Unfairness during the war, collaboration, and pro-Russian sentiment are also seen as factors contributing to societal division.
07:55 Russia: Ten Ukrainian attack drones destroyed
Russia claims to have shot down ten Ukrainian attack drones over Russian territory. Five drones were shot down over the Belgorod border region, four over the Brjansk border region, and one over the Moscow region, according to the Defense Ministry on Telegram. Additionally, two Ukrainian seed drones were destroyed that were heading towards the Noworossijsk Black Sea port in the Krasnodar region.
07:20 Ukrainian General Staff: almost 1200 Russian losses yesterday
The Ukrainian General Staff reports 1,180 losses on the Russian side in the past 24 hours. This includes 16 destroyed tanks, 17 armored vehicles, 57 artillery systems, and 63 tank and other vehicles. Two Russian air defense systems were allegedly destroyed by the Ukrainians, along with a missile. The number of dead or wounded soldiers on the Russian side, according to the General Staff, has surpassed 546,000 since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
06:48 Putin arrives at SOZ summit in Kazakhstan
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Kazakhstan, according to Kremlin reports. He is participating in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SOZ) partners in the capital Astana. The two-day conference focuses on regional security, defense, and cooperation issues. The heads of state and government of the SOZ member states discussed "the current situation and prospects for further deepening of multifaceted cooperation," according to Moscow. Putin plans to hold bilateral talks, including with China and Turkey. The summit is attended by representatives from 16 countries - including India, Iran, and Pakistan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also expected.
06:11 Ukraine continues to reject territorial concessions to Putin
According to the words of Andrij Yermak, the chief of staff of the Ukrainian president, Ukraine continues to categorically reject territorial concessions to Russia to end the war. "We are not willing to make compromises on important things and values," said Yermak to journalists and named "independence, freedom, democracy, territorial integrity, sovereignty." In response to statements from Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump, who claimed he could quickly end the conflict, the government in Kiev is open for advice to achieve a "just peace." Trump stated during the television debate that he would not accept Putin's conditions. Putin had declared that Russia would end the war if Kiev was willing to hand over the territories claimed and occupied by Moscow in the east and south of the country. In response to a question about how Ukraine views Trump's handling of the war, Yermak replied: "Honestly speaking: I don't know. We will see."
05:42 USA to provide new military aid for Ukraine
The Ukrainian military is in urgent need of supplies. The USA will make available to Ukraine in the near future additional military aid in the amount of around 2.3 billion US dollars (around 2.14 billion Euros) to counter the Russian attack war in Ukraine. This was announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a visit by his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umjerow in Washington. The package approved by US President Joe Biden includes "additional surface-to-air missiles, anti-tank weapons, and other important ammunition from US stocks," explained Austin. A "realignment of some foreign military deliveries" will also make it possible for the USA to provide Munition for Patriot and other air defense systems "in an accelerated timeframe."
04:49 NATO expanding presence in Kiev
The NATO is expanding its civilian presence in the attacked Ukraine. A spokesperson confirmed that the 32 alliance members have decided to send a liaison office to the capital Kiev. The high-ranking official is to coordinate political and practical support from the alliance on site. The background is that the NATO intends to give the start signal for a new deployment at the upcoming summit in Washington for the coordination of weapons deliveries and training activities for the Ukrainian armed forces. The headquarters for this should be built in Wiesbaden. Who will receive the new NATO post in Kiev is still not known.
03:42 UN calls for release of Gershkovich
Experts of the United Nations are calling for the immediate release of the US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is in Russian custody on espionage charges. "The deprivation of freedom of Evan Gershkovich is arbitrary" and violates several articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the experts write in a statement. Taking into account the circumstances of the case, the "immediate" release of Gershkovich is appropriate.
02:40 Serbian President Vucic receives Russian deputy foreign ministerThe Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received the Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Gruschko in Belgrade. He spoke with Gruschko about the bilateral relations between Serbia and Russia and evaluated them as "very good", Vucic stated on Instagram. He also thanked Russia "for its support of Serbia's territorial integrity, as well as in relation to the UN Resolution on Srebrenica". Moscow still refuses to recognize Kosovo's independence. Serbia has been an EU membership candidate since 2012, but maintains good relations with the Kreml despite the Russian annexation of Crimea.
01:29 Russian court sentences 19-year-old to twelve yearsA Russian court sentenced a 19-year-old man to twelve years in prison for "treason," after he was accused of donating money to the Ukrainian army. "The Rostov Regional Court found him guilty and sentenced him to a twelve-year term in a penal colony," a comment from the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, picked up by state Kremlin media, reads. The teenager is accused of sending money to help the Ukrainian army buy food and drones. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Russians have been arrested and many of them have been imprisoned. According to Amnesty International, at least 21,000 people were targets of repressions against war opponents in 2023.
00:20 One quarter of US citizens find US aid to Ukraine insufficientAlmost a quarter of Americans believe that the United States is not providing enough military aid to Ukraine. This percentage has risen since November last year, according to a Pew Research Center survey. According to the survey, 24 percent of respondents believe that the United States is not providing enough aid to Ukraine, compared to 18 percent in November 2023, when the survey was last conducted. However, more Americans (31 percent) believe that the United States is providing too much aid, and 25 percent believe that the US aid is sufficient.
22:53 Lithuania reports airspace violation by Russian aircraftLithuania reports a violation of its airspace by a Russian aircraft. The unspecified plane of the Russian airline Pobeda entered the airspace of the Baltic EU and NATO member illegally in the evening of June 30 and stayed there for approximately one minute, according to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry in Vilnius. The representative of the Russian embassy was summoned and the Russian authorities were urged to take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The airspace violation occurred over the Baltic Sea, as the plane was on its way from Moscow to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad bordering Lithuania. The EU has closed its airspace to Russian aircraft as a reaction to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
22:12 Survey in Member States: High Trust in NATO, Low Trust in Zelenskyy
Coming Week, NATO Celebrates Its 75-Year Anniversary. In member states, the transatlantic defense alliance is viewed favorably, according to a Pew Research survey. On average in 13 countries, 63 percent of the population holds a positive opinion, while 33 percent hold a negative one. Germany ranks slightly above average with 64 percent positive sentiment. Exceptional is the assessment in Poland: 91 percent have a positive image of the alliance. The trust in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy averages 40 percent and has decreased in member states over the past year. Poland stands out, where the head of state has lost 22 percentage points - from 70 to 48 percent. In Germany, trust has decreased by 7 percentage points to 54 percent.
21:27 Zelenskyy Rejects Orban's Peace Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected a peace proposal from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for peace talks, according to a spokesperson from the Presidential Office. During his first visit to Kiev since the war began, Orbán proposed a rapid ceasefire. This could "accelerate peace negotiations with Moscow," he said. "The president listened to him, but in response clarified Ukraine's stance and rejected the proposal," the spokesperson said. Previously, Kiev had rejected ceasefires on the grounds that Russian forces could regroup during this time.
21:02 Ukraine: Moscow Recruits Minors
Russia is actively recruiting minors for the war in Ukraine, Ukraine claims. The recruitment contracts are reportedly signed with minors, taking effect upon reaching adulthood. "They hope to recruit tens of thousands of teenagers with propaganda," says the Ukrainian agency "National Resistance Center": "We warn that any enemy on our territory will be eliminated." Russia also employs minors on occupied Ukrainian territory, for example, to manufacture drones.
You can read about previous developments here.
- The Russian Defense Ministry reportedly claimed victory in taking control of a district in Tschassiw Jar, a city in eastern Ukraine's Donezk region, by "liberating" the neighborhood of Nowi.
- After being arrested in Moscow on June 6, Laurent Vinatier, a Frenchman working for the Swiss NGO Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, confessed to the Russian security services that he had collected military and military-technical information about the Russian military during his visits to Moscow.
- The Russian Defense Ministry reported a massive Ukrainian drone attack on Noworossijsk, a Black Sea port city, with twelve objects being shot down and numerous explosions and fires illuminating the night sky.
- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal announced that Ukraine had received an additional tranche of over two billion Euros from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will be used mainly for social aid and salaries of public servants, including doctors and teachers.
- The Russian Intelligence services alleged that French "Agent" Vinatier, being held in Russia, had collected information about the Russian military and admitted to establishing numerous contacts with military experts, scientists, and officials during his visits to Moscow. This information could be used against the security of the Russian Federation, according to the FSB.
